LA LOUBERE, Simon de (1642–1729). A New

LA LOUBERE, Simon de (1642–1729). A New Historical Relation of the Kingdom of Siam… Envoy Extraordinary from the French King, to the King of Siam, in the Years 1687 and 1688. Wherein a Full and Curious Account is Given of the Chinese Way of Arithmatick and Mathematick Learning. London: printed by F.L. for Tho. Horne; Francis Saunders; and Tho. Bennet, 1693. 2 volumes in one, small folio (311 x 184 mm). Title in red and black, 2 engraved maps, 9 engraved plates (some marginal toning). Modern half calf antique, raised bands, spine gilt, renewed endpapers. (Tiny scorch mark to S1, few stains to title–page, some leaves browned). Provenance: Miss Dungford? (contemporary signature on title–page). FIRST EDITION, of La Loubere’s rare account of his voyage to modern–day Thailand. Significant for its publication of the “Siamese method” of constructing magic squares and being one of the earliest accounts of a parachute. This work also describes chess, smoking, the Siamese alphabet, astronomy, etc. and includes a description of the Cape of Good Hope and its inhabitants. Cordier 723; Satow 58; Wing L–201.